Drink Driving Lawyers Sydney

Being charged with drink driving (DUI) in Sydney is one of the most stressful experiences you’ll face. The penalties are harsh, the court process is unforgiving, and the consequences—loss of licence, criminal record, fines, even jail time—can destroy your livelihood and future opportunities.

But here’s the truth: a DUI charge doesn’t have to mean a DUI conviction.

At Hannay Lawyers, our Sydney-based drink driving lawyers have successfully defended countless clients charged with low-range, mid-range, and high-range drink driving offences across NSW. We know how to challenge police evidence, negotiate reduced penalties, and fight for outcomes that protect your licence, your job, and your freedom.

Don’t wait. The clock is ticking. Call Hannay Lawyers today for a free, no-obligation consultation and start building your defence.

Why You Need a Sydney DUI Lawyer—Immediately

Drink driving charges in NSW are treated with zero tolerance. Under the Road Transport Act 2013 (NSW) and Crimes Act 1900 (NSW), even first-time offenders face:

• Automatic licence disqualification (minimum 3 months for low-range PCA, up to unlimited for high-range or repeat offences)
• Heavy fines (up to $3,300 for low-range, $5,500+ for high-range)
• Criminal conviction on your record, affecting employment, travel, and insurance
• Mandatory interlock device on your vehicle (in many cases)
• Jail time for high-range or repeat offenders (up to 18 months for first-time high-range, 2 years for repeat)

If you caused an accident, injury, or refused a breath test, the penalties are even more severe.

Without expert legal representation, you risk the maximum penalty. Our DUI lawyers know how to:

• Challenge the accuracy of breath tests and police procedures
• Identify procedural errors or rights violations
• Apply for Section 10 dismissals or Conditional Release Orders (no conviction recorded)
• Negotiate reduced charges or alternative sentencing options
• Represent you in court with confidence and authority

What Hannay Lawyers Can Do for Your DUI Case

NSW classifies drink driving offences based on your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC):

• Special Range PCA: 0.02–0.049 BAC (for learner, P1, P2, or interlock licence holders)
• Low-Range PCA: 0.05–0.079 BAC
• Mid-Range PCA: 0.08–0.149 BAC
• High-Range PCA: 0.15 BAC or higher

Each range carries escalating penalties, but our lawyers have defended clients across all categories. We’ve secured:

• Section 10 dismissals (no conviction, no licence loss)
• Conditional Release Orders (good behaviour bond instead of conviction)
• Reduced disqualification periods (getting you back on the road faster)
• Not guilty verdicts where police evidence was flawed or procedures breached

Drug Driving Defence

Drug driving charges under the Road Transport Act 2013 (NSW) carry similar penalties to drink driving, with automatic licence disqualification and criminal conviction. Whether you’re charged with:

• Presence of THC, methamphetamine, MDMA, or cocaine in oral fluid or blood
• Refusing a drug test
• Driving under the influence of drugs (DUI)

We know how to challenge the reliability of drug tests, question police procedure, and fight for alternative outcomes.

Refusing Breath or Drug Tests

Refusing a breath test or drug test is a separate criminal offence under NSW law, often carrying harsher penalties than the underlying DUI charge itself. Maximum penalties include:

• $3,300 fine (first offence)
• Automatic disqualification (minimum 6 months, often 12+ months)
• 10 penalty units and potential jail time for repeat offences

Our lawyers can challenge refusal charges by examining whether police clearly explained the test requirement, whether you were physically or mentally incapable of complying, or whether procedural errors occurred.

Court Representation Across Sydney

We appear regularly in:

• Sydney Downing Centre Local Court
• Parramatta Local Court
• Sutherland Local Court
• Hornsby Local Court
• Campbelltown Local Court
• All NSW Magistrates, District, and Supreme Courts

No matter where your case is heard, our Sydney DUI lawyers are ready to fight for you.

The Real Cost of a DUI Conviction in Sydney

A drink driving conviction isn’t just about fines and licence loss. The ripple effects are devastating:

• Job loss: Many employers—especially in transport, construction, sales, and healthcare—require a clean driving record. Losing your licence often means losing your income.
• Travel restrictions: A criminal conviction can prevent you from entering countries like the USA, Canada, and the UK.
• Insurance premiums skyrocket: Expect your car insurance to double or triple—if you can even get coverage.
• Public transport hell: Relying on buses, trains, or rideshares to get to work, drop kids at school, or attend medical appointments is expensive, time-consuming, and exhausting.
• Interlock devices: Many offenders are required to install an alcohol interlock device in their car for 6–48 months, at significant cost.

Can You Avoid a Conviction? Section 10 Dismissals and CROs

Yes—under Section 10 of the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 (NSW), a magistrate can dismiss your charge without recording a conviction, even if you plead guilty or are found guilty. This means:

• No criminal record
• No licence disqualification (in some cases)
• No fine (or a minimal fine)

Section 10 dismissals are granted in exceptional cases where the court is satisfied that:

• You are of good character with no prior record
• The offence was minor or out of character
• A conviction would cause undue hardship (e.g., job loss, visa cancellation)
• You have strong character references and demonstrate remorse

Alternatively, the court may impose a Conditional Release Order (CRO)—a good behaviour bond without conviction, allowing you to avoid a criminal record while serving a probationary period.

Hannay Lawyers have secured Section 10 dismissals and CROs for many DUI clients. We know what magistrates look for and how to present your case for the best chance of leniency.

What If I’m a Repeat Offender?

If this isn’t your first DUI charge, the penalties escalate dramatically:

• Longer disqualification periods (minimum 12 months, often 2–5 years or unlimited)
• Higher fines (up to $5,500+)
• Mandatory jail time for high-range repeat offenders (up to 2 years)
• Mandatory interlock requirements for 2–4 years

But even repeat offenders have options. Our lawyers can:

• Apply for Section 9 work licences (if eligible)
• Argue mitigating factors (rehabilitation, addiction treatment, family hardship)
• Challenge police evidence or procedural errors
• Negotiate reduced sentencing through intensive correction orders or community service

Why Choose Hannay Lawyers for Your Sydney DUI Case?

Proven Results

: We’ve successfully defended hundreds of drink driving cases, securing Section 10 dismissals, reduced penalties, and not guilty verdicts.

Specialist Knowledge

: Our lawyers are experts in NSW traffic law, court procedure, and police evidence challenges.

24/7 Availability

: Drink driving charges don’t wait for business hours. Neither do we.

Free Consultation

: No-obligation case review to discuss your options.

Offices in Sydney, Brisbane, and Gold Coast: Whether your charge is in NSW or QLD, we’re here to help.